PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Thor Skarsgard (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Jaakko Parantainen (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Parantainen has chosen Eminem - White America as his entrance music, which hasn't gone down very well with the crowd. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Skarsgard
vs
Parantainen

200 cm
34
270 lbs
32 - 12 - 1

194 cm
32
290 lbs
22 - 11 - 1

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Olympic wrestler
Lethal high kicks
Good gas tank

VIRAL COMBAT
//buriedALIVE// Fight Gear

Just Fight (Everything 7$)

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 32 - 12 - 1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Thor Skarsgard!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 22 - 11 - 1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Jaakko Parantainen!
The judges for this bout are George Francis, Chris Downing and Daniel Franklin.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Skarsgard misses with a head kick.

Skarsgard tries to keep at a distance but Parantainen has taken the fight into the clinch.
Skarsgard throws a punch but it's blocked by Parantainen.
Parantainen tries to score a body lock takedown but Skarsgard shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Parantainen can't get the takedown.
A nice left hand lands by Skarsgard.
Skarsgard works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Skarsgard lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Parantainen.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.
Skarsgard throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Parantainens head.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Parantainen prevents a body shot from Skarsgard.
The referee is keeping an eye on Skarsgard - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.
Skarsgard lands a hook that snaps the head of Parantainen backwards.
Still in the clinch, Skarsgard scores with a nice short uppercut.

It looks like Jaakko Parantainen has been cut.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Parantainen is looking for a takedown.
Thor Skarsgard has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jaakko Parantainen.
Skarsgard misses with a short punch on the inside.
Skarsgard misses with a punch on the inside.
Skarsgard swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Parantainen misses with a hook to the ribs.
Parantainen is trying to drag Skarsgard to the mat but Skarsgard just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Skarsgard gets through Parantainen's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Parantainen is trying to break free.
Parantainen goes for a takedown in the clinch but Skarsgard prevents it.
Skarsgard gets underhooks to prevent Parantainen's takedown attempt.
Parantainen is trying to drag Skarsgard to the mat but Skarsgard just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Skarsgard throws a head punch that misses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Parantainen blocking some punches.
Skarsgard looking to stall.
Skarsgard is pressed up against the cage. Parantainen has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Skarsgard down to the mat. Skarsgard avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Skarsgard loads up on a big right hand but Parantainen slips the punch.
Skarsgard pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Skarsgard throws a lazy uppercut

and Parantainen counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Skarsgard keeps control of the position for the meantime.
Skarsgard on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Skarsgard is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Parantainen's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Parantainen's back!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Parantainen tries to roll but Skarsgard sticks to his back.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Parantainen trying to get back to his feet but Skarsgard is in full control for now.
Skarsgard controls the position.
Skarsgard controlling well, preventing Parantainen from escaping the position.
Parantainen wants to get back to his feet.
Skarsgard not allowing Parantainen to control his hands.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Skarsgard trying to secure his dominant position for a moment - making sure Parantainen doesn't escape.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Parantainen holding both Skarsgard 's hands and preventing any damage.
Parantainen rolls and manages to get back to half guard. Nicely done.
Parantainen manages to get to full guard.
Parantainen keeping full guard, as Skarsgard tries to pass.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Thor Skarsgard dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Jaakko Parantainen's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Skarsgard lands a leg kick that knocks Parantainen off balance momentarily.
Skarsgard doesn't manage to clinch there - Parantainen circles away.
Skarsgard misses with a looping left.
Thor Skarsgard seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Parantainen darts in looking for a takedown but Skarsgard gets double underhooks and turns Parantainen into the cage.
Skarsgard tries to throw a body punch but Parantainen avoids it by throwing Skarsgard back against the cage.
Parantainen is working for takedown but Skarsgard is calmly controlling the position for now.
Parantainen drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Thor Skarsgard has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jaakko Parantainen.
Skarsgard swings away with an uppercut that misses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Skarsgard.
A nice right hand lands inside from Parantainen.

Parantainen turns his back and goes for a hip toss. It's a bit messy but it gets the job done and Parantainen manages to end up in side control.
Skarsgard is in a tricky position but he's been working on his transitions down at Ballas Only , so we'll see if he gets out of it.
Skarsgard is trying to get back to half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Parantainen tries to move to full mount but Skarsgard actually manages to regain half guard.
Parantainen trying to control the action but Skarsgard is working from the bottom.

Parantainen is looking for a kimura here.
Parantainen prevents Skarsgard from improving his position.

Parantainen is working for a kimura but Skarsgard is defending it quite comfortably.

Parantainen is looking for a kimura but Skarsgard is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Parantainen to get the leverage.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Parantainen is trying to control the action in half guard but Skarsgard is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Skarsgard trying to control here.
Parantainen looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.

Parantainen wants to work for an arm triangle but Skarsgard is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.

Parantainen is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Skarsgard defends it well.

Parantainen is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Skarsgard doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Parantainen.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Parantainen prevents Skarsgard from improving his position.
Parantainen thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Jaakko Parantainen has got the better of the ground game so far.
Skarsgard keeping control of the leg, stopping his opponent passing to mount.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Skarsgard throws a sloppy head kick and Parantainen moves out of range easily.
Thor Skarsgard is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Some bone on bone action there as Parantainen checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Parantainen keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Skarsgard throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Parantainen shoots for a double leg takedown but Skarsgard sprawls well. He's pushed Parantainen's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Parantainen tries to grapple but his opponent circles
letting Skarsgard counter with a right hand.
Parantainen takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Parantainen takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Parantainen shoots in but Skarsgard avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Skarsgard connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
That kick from Skarsgard tenderised Parantainen's leg. Parantainen is trying to keep his angry face on.
Skarsgard clobbers Parantainen with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Parantainen fails with an attempt to clinch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Thor Skarsgard dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Jaakko Parantainen's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Skarsgard misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Skarsgard throws a nice inside leg kick.
Parantainen avoids the head kick by Skarsgard.

Skarsgard takes the fight into the clinch.

Parantainen has Skarsgard pressed up against the cage. He's trying to work for a single leg takedown. Parantainen pulls back from the cage and twists to the side, sending Skarsgard tumbling to the mat - Parantainen dives into Skarsgard's guard.
Parantainen pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Skarsgard is keeping the position for now.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Parantainen throws a big right hand that misses.
Parantainen throwing strikes from guard but Skarsgard blocks nicely.
Skarsgard wants to stand but Parantainen is controlling the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Parantainen trying to control the position from guard on top but Skarsgard is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Skarsgard looking to hit a scissor sweep but Parantainen is one step ahead there.
Skarsgard keeping full guard, as Parantainen tries to pass.
Parantainen postures up in Skarsgard's guard and throws a big left but Skarsgard blocks it.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Skarsgard looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Parantainen tries to score a power double leg takedown but Skarsgard sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Parantainen somewhat.
Parantainen fails to land the takedown.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Parantainen shoots in for a double leg but Skarsgard sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Thor Skarsgard has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jaakko Parantainen.
Skarsgard lands a jab to the nose.
Skarsgard fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Skarsgard throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Parantainen on the side of the head.
Skarsgard leaves Parantainen with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Skarsgard throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Skarsgard is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Parantainen can do to turn this around?
Parantainen dives in for a single leg takedown but Skarsgard sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Skarsgard taking a breather.
Parantainen can't get the takedown.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Parantainen jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Skarsgard walks away with a smile on his face. Parantainen gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Skarsgard scores with a jab. Parantainen acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Thor Skarsgard is winning the standup battle so far.
Skarsgard throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Skarsgard leaves Parantainen with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Parantainen takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Skarsgard turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Skarsgard tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Parantainen staying out of range there.
Parantainen fails to land the takedown.
Parantainen has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Skarsgard.
Skarsgard throws a nice inside leg kick.
Skarsgard throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A solid leg kick lands there for Skarsgard.
Skarsgard getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Parantainen on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Parantainen closes this distance looking for a takedown but Skarsgard circles away.
A nice leg kick lands there from Skarsgard.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Parantainen shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Skarsgard pinned against the cage. Skarsgard gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Skarsgard cracks a nice hook into Parantainen's ribs.
Skarsgard lands a head shot.
Nice takedown defense from Skarsgard. No joy for Parantainen on that attempt.
Skarsgard throws a low kick, looking for Parantainen's leg but Parantainen calmly moves out of range.
Parantainen looks for a takedown but Skarsgard sprawls well.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Thor Skarsgard clearly takes that round.
The cut man is working on Jaakko Parantainen's cut.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.

A slapping leg kick lands for Skarsgard.
Parantainen doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Skarsgard throws a body punch but Parantainen moves out of range.
Skarsgard does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
Skarsgard bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Jab from Skarsgard.
Skarsgard throws a body shot but no joy.

Skarsgard fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Parantainen, pushing him back against the cage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Skarsgard misses with a hook from the clinch.
Thor Skarsgard has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Skarsgard avoiding damage.
A short right from Skarsgard on the inside.
Skarsgard makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Parantainen is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Skarsgard pushes Parantainen back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Parantainen is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Skarsgard pressing his opponent against the cage.
Skarsgard digs a right hand underneath Parantainen's ribcage. Parantainen let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Skarsgard lands a left hand that snaps the head of Parantainen backwards.
Parantainen letting Skarsgard take a breather here.
Skarsgard tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Skarsgard lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Parantainen backwards.
Parantainen drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Skarsgard controlling the action here for a moment.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Parantainen blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Skarsgard swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Parantainen blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Skarsgard tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.

Parantainen has hold of one of Skarsgard's legs. Skarsgard is fighting the takedown attempt but Parantainen gets the trip and lands the takedown into guard.
Skarsgard is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Parantainen is controlling him.
Skarsgard utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Parantainen is looking to work some ground and pound but Skarsgard has wrist control.
Parantainen throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Skarsgard is trying to keep Parantainen in close.
Parantainen stops Skarsgard from standing up.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.
Skarsgard controls Parantainen momentarily but Parantainen frees himself.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Skarsgard tries to clinch there but Parantainen circles away.
Parantainen checks a leg kick nicely.
Skarsgard misses with a head kick.
Parantainen shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Thor Skarsgard has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jaakko Parantainen.
Skarsgard leaves Parantainen with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Skarsgard lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
Skarsgard moves out of range as Parantainen strikes.
Parantainen swats away the attempt to clinch by Skarsgard.
Parantainen shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Skarsgard pinned against the cage. Skarsgard gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Skarsgard throws a leg kick which misses Parantainen's front leg but catches the back leg as Parantainen tries to avoid it.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Skarsgard leaves Parantainen with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Skarsgard does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Thor Skarsgard had his way with Jaakko Parantainen in that round.
The cut man is working on Jaakko Parantainen's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.

An inside leg kick lands from Skarsgard.
Parantainen shoots in for a takedown but Skarsgard shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Skarsgard cracks Parantainen with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Parantainen looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Skarsgard is fending him off so far but Parantainen persists. Nope, Skarsgard circles away and we're back to standing.
Skarsgard motions for Parantainen to come forward. Skarsgard throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Skarsgard connects with a leg kick. Parantainen looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.

Skarsgard closes the distance and clinches.
Skarsgard swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Skarsgard has a couple of punches blocked by Parantainen.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Skarsgard misses with a punch to the body.
Skarsgard misses with a body punch.
Skarsgard working aggressively here.

Parantainen lands a takedown into guard.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Parantainen accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Skarsgard looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Parantainen trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Skarsgard keeping moving, preventing Parantainen from controlling successfully.
Parantainen with a flurry of punches that miss.
Parantainen postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Parantainen pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Skarsgard is keeping the position for now.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Parantainen takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.

Parantainen gets the takedown into side control.
Skarsgard can't do much from the bottom here.
Skarsgard dodges the ground and pound from Parantainen.
Parantainen working away.
Sloppy strikes there by Parantainen.
Skarsgard manages to get back to half guard.
Skarsgard trying to hold on to Parantainen's head to control him but Parantainen postures up.
Parantainen trying to control from half guard but Skarsgard is working away.
Skarsgard won't allow Parantainen to pass to mount.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Parantainen sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Skarsgard defending well though.
Skarsgard is doing well to avoid being mounted. He's controlling the position at the moment.

Parantainen seems to be working for a kimura but Skarsgard defends the submission attempt.
Jaakko Parantainen has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Parantainen not landing any meaningful shots this time.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
A leg kick checked by Skarsgard.
Skarsgard doesn't manage to clinch there - Parantainen circles away.
Parantainen misses with a takedown attempt - Skarsgard sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Thor Skarsgard has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jaakko Parantainen.
A cross from Skarsgard lands.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Skarsgard slaps away a takedown attempt from Parantainen, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Skarsgard tries a head kick but it misses.
Skarsgard catches Parantainen with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Nice shot lands for Skarsgard.
Skarsgard misses with a head kick.
Parantainen misses with a wild body shot.
Skarsgard lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Parantainen circles away quickly and effectively.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
A left and a right from Parantainen both land. Nice combination.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Parantainen has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Skarsgard finds it's way round the side to connect with Parantainen's head.
Parantainen fails with a takedown attempt.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Thor Skarsgard.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Skarsgard, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge George Francis scores the fight 50:45
Judge Chris Downing scores the fight 50:45
Judge Daniel Franklin scores the fight 50:45

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Thor Skarsgard!
Thor Skarsgard retains his heavyweight title!
During a confident post fight interview, Thor Skarsgard thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.